Four people, including a 6-day-old baby and a 2-year-old toddler, were found dead in a North Hills home Wednesday night. LAPD says the mother killed her husband and two children before taking her own life.
A San Fernando Valley family of four was found dead inside their North Hills home Wednesday night after neighbors reported gunfire, and the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.
Officers responded around 7:50 p.m. to the 16200 block of Londelius Street, near the intersection of Parthenia Street and Woodley Avenue, after reports of shots fired, according to the LAPD. When patrol officers from the Devonshire Division arrived, they found four people with fatal gunshot wounds inside the residence.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office identified three of the deceased:
The identity of the fourth victim, a woman in her 30s, has not been released pending notification of next of kin, according to the medical examiner.
Preliminary evidence gathered at the crime scene indicates the mother shot her husband and two children before dying by suicide, according to law enforcement sources cited by the Los Angeles Times and NBC Los Angeles.
"This is an absolute tragedy, and given the number of deceased, the Robbery-Homicide Division is handling the investigation," said Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Mike Bland.
Bland told reporters there are no suspects at large.
Neighbor Karen Banuelos said she heard a commotion but did not hear the shots themselves. She said she looked out her window and saw police arrive and run into the home while family members ran out crying.
Banuelos said the children's grandfather later spoke with another neighbor and revealed what had happened.
"It's so depressing, it's so devastating for everyone. Postpartum depression is real," Banuelos said. "To get possessed to do that? It's just, there's no words."
Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told KTLA she saw the husband taking out the trash around 7 p.m. while she was walking her dog. She said everything appeared normal and she had never seen the family fighting or noticed any warning signs.
While KTLA reporters were at the scene Thursday, community members visited the home and left flowers for the victims.
Paula Smith, a resident who lives a few blocks away, said she heard helicopters throughout the night but did not know what was happening until she learned the details the next morning.
"To wake up this morning and to hear about this and these kids, it's really heartbreaking. So go home and love the people you love. If someone is hurting, please reach out. Don't be ashamed," Smith said.
One neighbor told KTLA the mother may have been struggling with mental health issues, possibly postpartum depression, but officials have not confirmed that theory.
According to the California Department of Public Health, 1 in 3 pregnant people experience anxiety or depression symptoms during or after pregnancy.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7 free and confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The number is 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).
The Postpartum Support International Hotline can be reached by calling or texting HELP to 1-800-944-4773.
This article was generated with AI assistance.